Psychobiological explanations of Criminal Behaviour

Learn how the biological/medical models explains antisocial and criminal behaviour

Transcript

1. Explanations of Criminal Explanations of Criminal Behaviour Behaviour The Biological Approach The Biological Approach
2. Introduction Introduction In this short presentation you will be In this short presentation you will be introduced to one theory from the introduced to one theory from the biological approach of criminality. biological approach of criminality. Once again, don Once again, don’ ’t worry about trying to t worry about trying to learn the terms now as you will be taught learn the terms now as you will be taught them in the next level. them in the next level.
3. The Biological Approach The Biological Approach The Biological approach The Biological approach explains criminality explains criminality through through biological and physiological differences. Some differences are considered ‘normal’ whilst others ‘abnormal’ http://www.flickr.c om/photos/emsl/4 704802544/
4. This suggests that This suggests that there are there are criminal types who have who have particular traits and particular traits and attributes. attributes. The problem with The problem with this approach is this approach is that it can and does that it can and does lead to lead to discrimination and prejudice. . http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyt hemisfit/3210733192/
5. Body shape Body shape Dr. William Dr. William Sheldon believed Sheldon believed that criminals that criminals have a specific have a specific body shape. body shape.
6. Somatotypes Somatotypes Sheldon proposed Sheldon proposed three basic three basic Somatotypes Somatotypes. . Each Each somatotype somatotype was linked to was linked to specific specific psychological psychological characteristics. characteristics.
7. Somatotype Somatotype 1 1 - - Endomorphs Endomorphs are: are: 'soft and round 'soft and round‘ ‘ relaxed and hedonistic. relaxed and hedonistic. Most unlikely to commit Most unlikely to commit crimes. crimes.
8. Somatotype Somatotype 2 2 - - Ectomorphs Ectomorphs are: are: delicate, tall and delicate, tall and large large- -brained brained restrained and restrained and solitary solitary Also unlikely to Also unlikely to commit crime commit crime http://www.flickr.com/photos/s piff_27/71604869/
9. Somatotype Somatotype 3 3 - - Mesomorphs Mesomorphs are: are: strong, athletic and strong, athletic and muscular muscular energetic and energetic and adventurous. adventurous. Most risk of Most risk of aggression & crime aggression & crime http://www.flickr.com/photos /andreportfolio/3368670743
10. Some issues Some issues Body shape may be a Body shape may be a consequence consequence not a cause not a cause of criminal activity. of criminal activity.
11. Some issues Some issues Not all criminals are Not all criminals are ‘ ‘athletic athletic’ ’ or or muscular. muscular. Some crimes do not Some crimes do not require physical require physical exertion. exertion. http://www.flickr.com/photo s/wapster/2327974752/
12. Now that you have been introduced to one Now that you have been introduced to one biological explanation of criminal biological explanation of criminal behaviour. Let behaviour. Let’ ’s learn some key terms. s learn some key terms.